A U.S. hunter shown in a controversial online video spearing a bear in Alberta could have faced a stiff penalty had he done so in Ontario.
Josh Bowmar has faced an onslaught of criticism for the video, which shows him throwing a spear into the side of a black bear during a hunting trip in Alberta this spring.
Mark Ryckman, a senior wildlife biologist with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, says hunting with a spear is illegal in that province.
He says spears are not on a list of weapons that are allowed.
Alberta's hunting rules make no mention of spear hunting, but the government says it plans to introduce a ban this fall as well as investigate whether Bowmar broke any existing laws.
Ryckman says he's personally never heard of anyone using a spear to hunt in Ontario and he's worried that Bowmar's video may lead some to believe it's common practice.
